Grant applications for the Innovative Community Grants Program will be accepted until April 21st by the Placer County Department of Health and Human Services.

Thousands of people in Placer County get their mental health needs met every day, either directly or indirectly, through their natural networks of family, friends, faith groups, and community groups. Many of these groups may not recognize the role they are already playing in providing support to individuals dealing with mental health issues.

The Innovative Community Grants Program aims to support the various groups and natural networks in Placer County that are currently providing assistance in keeping people well and preventing the need for intensive mental health services, as well as determining whether, given additional support and resources, communities can develop effective and long-term solutions to fit the specific mental health needs of their own populations.

Grants will be awarded in amounts from $50,000 up to $100,000 per grantee. This program is funded through the State’s Mental Health Services Act.

Interested groups are encouraged to attend one of three “brown bag” informational meetings to be held from 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. on Feb. 22 at the Cirby Hills Center in Roseville, on Feb. 24 at the Placer County Children’s System of Care in Auburn, and on March 4 at the North Tahoe Family Resource Center in Kings Beach.

The grant application and detailed information on the program’s requirements is available online by clicking this link: Grant Application.

For additional information, call 530/889-6701.